Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we understand dental emergencies may not only be painful, but also stressful. Our office facilitates emergency calls to ease your concerns and get you the help you need.

 

It is important to understand what constitutes a dental emergency in order for you to seek help as soon as possible. Dental emergencies may involve trauma to the teeth or gums including an injury, which results in a tooth knocked out. Another dental emergency is tooth pain, which is accompanied by swelling in the mouth and face. A seriously fractured tooth and dental pain, which lasts for hours or is not relieved by over the counter medication, is also considered a dental emergency.

 

If you think you have a dental emergency, don’t ignore it. Not being treating for a dental emergency can lead to additional problems and complications. For example, some dental emergencies may damage blood vessels and nerves if they are not treated promptly. Additionally, if a tooth has been knocked out, the sooner you are treated the higher the chances of tooth survival.

 

Our dentists and staff at Bishop & Bishop Dental take your dental health seriously. If you think you have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call our office. For more information on our practice or to schedule an appointment please call our office at 301-608-9270.

TMD and TMJ

TMD and TMJ

Temporomandibular joints, also known as TMJ, provide a connection between the skull and the lower jaw. Most people don’t realize it exists until they start experiencing ear pain or headaches.

Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, we see many patients who complain of unexplained pain in their jaw and determine they have TMD and TMJ. Dr. David Bishop offers treatment options to help reduce the pain and discomfort of this condition.

 

Treatments for TMD and TMJ include the following options:

 

1. Muscle relaxants and medications

2. Mouth guards

3. TMJ surgery

 

We offer mouth guards as the first option aside from pain relief medications, because many of our patients experience less pain when waking up from grinding their teeth at night. This helps them get through the day much more comfortably. TMD and TMJ surgery is typically only needed in more severe cases or when other treatments don’t work.

 

Visit our clinic in Silver Spring, MD to discuss the different options we offer for TMD and TMJ.

 

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, we want to help our patients prevent oral health problems as much as possible so they don’t deal with extensive procedures later on. Dr. David Bishop encourages the use of power toothbrushes, showing the many benefits of electric toothbrushes in terms of dental hygiene and periodontal health our patients can achieve. While brushing manually with a traditional toothbrush twice a day get the teeth and gums clean, electric toothbrushes go even further and have other advantages as well.

 

Our patients benefit in a number of ways by using electric toothbrushes, including:

• Getting cleaner teeth
• Not brushing too hard
• Brushing their teeth for the recommended time
• Brushing thoroughly with dexterity problems
• Being more environmentally friendly

Electric toothbrushes are easy to use and come with multiple attachments for every family member. To use it properly, angle it at a 45-degree angle and place it on the tooth where the gum line is. The bristled gently turn and vibrate, cleaning more plaque in the same amount of time. Many electric toothbrushes contain a timer that lets you know how long you should brush your teeth. By using an electric toothbrush, our patients come to our office less frequently with dental problems.

Contact us at 301-608-9270 for any questions or concerns about the benefits of electric toothbrushes.

Snoring & Snoring Devices

Snoring & Snoring Devices

Bishop & Bishop Dental provides dental care for all types of oral health issues, including snoring and snoring devices. We offer a variety of oral appliances and devices that help our patients stop snoring whether it is related to sleep apnea or due to the tissues in their throat.

 

These devices are custom made to be comfortable and secure while patients sleep, reducing snoring and helping them get better sleep. Dr. David Bishop also provides oral appliances specifically for patients struggling with sleep apnea, which is a common cause of snoring.

 

Snoring and snoring devices available here in our dental practice help position the jaw and tongue while sleeping, increase the tongue’s muscle tone so it is more relaxed during sleep, and stabilize the tongue and jaw.

 

Tongue retaining appliances, CPAP machines for sleep apnea, and mandibular repositioning appliances that keep the lower jaw in a protruded position are just a few of the various appliances available to help with snoring.

 

Please call us at 301-608-9270 to learn more about snoring and snoring devices we provide and how they can help you stop snoring at night.

When to Replace Your Complete Dentures

When to Replace Your Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are a set of dentures that are made following the removal of all the patient’s teeth. Dentures are usually placed in the mouth 8-12 weeks after the teeth are removed, as this is when the gum tissue has healed enough. Dr. David Bishop begins preparing these dentures once the gum tissue is healing properly. Once complete, the patient has a brand new set of dentures that let them eat the foods they want with teeth that require only minimal care.

 

For patients who want to have a temporary solution before their final dentures are ready, we provide a temporary set of dentures here at Bishop & Bishop dental. They are not as secure while talking and eating as the complete dentures, but are great for this in between period.

 

Once patients have their complete dentures, they are advised to re-visit Bishop & Bishop Dental to look at the dentures and determine if and when they need to be replaced. While complete dentures are stable and can last a long time, we do recommend replacing them ideally about every five years on average.

 

If you are ready to get fitted for complete dentures, visit our practice in Silver Spring, MD.

Endodontics / Root Canals

Endodontics / Root Canals

Tooth infections can occur at any time, even with patients who take excellent care of their teeth. Many infections get deep into the nerves of the tooth’s root, which causes severe pain and great sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If you can’t eat ice cream or drink hot coffee without feeling intense pain, you could be suffering from an infection of the root of your tooth. In this case, a root canal performed in our Silver Springs, MD practice is necessary.

Here at Bishop Dental, we provide root canal procedures to help get rid of the infection. The process begins with Dr. David Bishop numbing the area with a local anesthetic, then drilling a small hole into the tooth to reach the canal. This lets us clean out the infection, before filling the hole with a material called gutta percha. This material is temporary, so you will need to return to our office in about 2-3 weeks to be fitted for a crown.

After having a root canal done, the tooth is dead. While it helps save the structure of the tooth, a crown needs to be fitted to protect it from cracking or breaking.

Contact our office today to learn more about all of our endodontic procedures available.

Implants / Mini Implants

Implants / Mini Implants

If you are missing teeth, you might be experiencing difficulty eating your favorite foods, not to mention the fact that it isn’t aesthetically pleasing. While it can be a pain to have missing teeth, there is a permanent solution in the form of implants. Here at Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD we provide regular implants and mini implants. Each implant provides a permanent restoration to replace one or multiple missing teeth.

Our dentist, David Bishop, provides traditional and mini implants. Traditional implants involve placing a titanium post deep into the jaw bone of the missing tooth. Once it has healed, a crown is placed over the post, allowing you to chew as you normally would. The crown is custom-made to fit your smile, so it looks and feels natural. It will be the same basic color, size, and shape of the surrounding teeth.

Mini dental implants are done in a similar way, though they take less time. The post used in mini implants is about half the size and doesn’t go in as far into the bone, so it heals much more quickly. This is done in a single step, as opposed to months. Once the post is in, the crown is placed over it right here in our office.

Either direction you go, your implants provide a permanent answer to your missing teeth problem, but should also be cared far like your other teeth. Always brush and floss the implant twice a day.

 

Veneers

Veneers

At Bishop Dental in Silver Springs, MD, we provide many treatments for helping to correct patient’s smiles, including veneers. Veneers, made of porcelain or laminates, are extremely thin and cover the front of the teeth. Patients often come to our office looking to correct the visual appearance of their teeth, like discoloration or chipped teeth. Veneers are made custom in our office to match your natural teeth.

We start the veneer process by preparing the tooth to be covered, which includes removing a small amount of the enamel to make room for the veneer. We may also reshape the tooth before making an impression of it. After that is complete, the veneer is made in a lab, which takes about 1-2 weeks. Once it is ready, we bond it to your tooth with permanent cement.

There are a variety of reasons you might need dental veneers, including the following:

1) Discoloration – Your tooth may be discolored from smoking, drinking dark liquids or following a root canal without a crown placed.

2) Chips or Cracks – Teeth that are chipped or cracked can also be covered with a veneer.

3) Gaps or Spaces – If your teeth have gaps and you don’t want braces, you can get veneers to cover the gaps.

If you think veneers might be the right solution for you, give us a call at 301- 608-9270.

Pediatrics

Pediatrics

Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, we maintain complete pediatric dentistry services that are designed to accomplish two very important objectives.  The first is to keep children’s smiles healthy with gentle, friendly and custom catered care. This is vital as children’s teeth are especially susceptible to tooth decay and developmental issues that should be addressed as early as possible.  Our second objective as pediatric dentists is to inspire small children to take care of their teeth, help them understand the importance of good dental hygiene every day, and show them that our office is not a place to fear, but a place to feel welcome and comfortable.

Is your child due for his or her pediatric dental checkup or cleaning? Make an appointment with us at Bishop & Bishop Dental.

Radiography

Radiography

Radiography, or more colloquially, x-raying, is an important part of the dental exam, diagnostic and preventative care capabilities. We use dental radiography to gain special insight into the health and structure of your teeth, oral cavity, throat and even areas of the sinus. Radiography also allows us to plan procedures with greater accuracy, and ensure that recently completed dental work is successful.

Dental radiography is safe and essential to providing you with excellent dental care.  To learn more about how it will benefit you during your next procedure, contact us directly. 

 

Sedation Dentistry

We do our utmost to provide you with a comfortable, relaxing dental experience, from the moment you enter Bishop & Bishop Dental, through to the end of your visit. Even though our patients always feel welcome, we understand that some dental procedures can cause patients to feel uneasy or phobic. For these patients, as well as those patients who would like to complete multiple procedures in a single visit, we provide complete sedation dentistry services.

We offer both oral conscious sedation, which is administered through a one or two-dose oral medication, and nitrous oxide sedation, which you are likely familiar with as laughing gas. Both of these sedation dentistry methods allow you to remain conscious and communicative, however you will experience your procedure as nothing more than a pleasant and relaxing dream. You’ll experience no pain, apprehension or unpleasant sensations for the duration of your visit.
Sedation dentistry is safe and effective for many of our patients.  If you’d like to learn how it can benefit you during your next procedure at Bishop & Bishop Dental, please call us directly.

Power Bleaching

Power Bleaching

If you’re seeking a brighter, stain-free smile we provide a specialized service that delivers stunning results. Power bleaching is an innovative method of professional teeth whitening and bleaching that is especially effective against stubborn or concentrated stains. Many of our patients here at Bishop & Bishop dental have loved the results of their power bleaching procedure, which works by using a special concentration of hydrogen peroxide that’s only available from professional dental practices like ours.

If you’re ready to discover the confidence boosting effects of power bleaching and the professional teeth whitening services we offer, please arrange an appointment with us here at Bishop & Bishop Dental.

Gum Disease and Health

How much thought do you give to your oral systemic health?  Do you consider how the health of your teeth and gums affect your longevity and wellbeing? What many patients often forget is that smile and body health are closely related.  Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, we are working to help all of our patients understand the connection between gum disease and health.

When the teeth and gums are subjected to infection and periodontal disease, they often become inflamed and may easily bleed.  Since bacteria thrive in an unhealthy mouth, they can easily travel through the body’s circulatory system and affect tissues elsewhere, including the heart. The same plaque that results from poor oral hygiene and bacteria control can also thicken the walls of the blood vessels and lead to serious health problems. Gum disease can easily progress if the body’s immune system is compromised due to other conditions like diabetes.  Patients may develop periodontitis, which results in tooth loss, bone loss, severe gum recession and irreversible damage to mouth.
Your smile and your health are worth protecting and preserving. If it’s been a while since your last checkup or you suspect that you or a loved one may be affected by gum disease, please arrange for an exam with us here at  Bishop & Bishop Dental.

Bishop & Bishop Dental Employee of the Month: Shanice Miller, our Dental Hygienist

As many of you know, we here at Bishop & Bishop Dental are committed to providing our patients with excellent dental service and gentle, personalized care.  That is possible thanks to our accomplished team of professionals. This month, we’d like to recognize our hard working dental hygienist, Shanice Miller.

Many of you know Shanice, and like us, you appreciate her for her clear dedication to excellent service, friendly, welcoming attitude and gentle touch. All of these reasons and more are why we’ve chosen Shanice as our Employee of the Month.  Next time you come in for a visit, we encourage you to show your appreciation of her as well. Shanice, thank you for all that you do and keep up the great work!

Dental Crowns

When you have a crack, chip or large cavity in a tooth, it could serve as a safe haven for harmful bacteria and lead to additional tooth damage.  Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, one of the ways we correct such issues is with beautiful, strong dental crowns.  Crowns restore and protect the structure of your tooth like a small suit of armor.  They are custom fabricated and securely bonded to be indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. They do not require any dietary modification or special maintenance beyond good oral hygiene habits and regular dental exams and cleanings.

We have a full explanation of the crown placement process and other details right on our website, but we’d be happy to see you for a full consultation. 

Transition into Dentures

Did you know that many of the problems that are commonly associated with dentures are not inherent to the prosthetics alone, but due to improper fit or poor quality? Modern dentures are actually beautiful, functional and secure.  Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental we help our patients avoid such denture trouble through personalized care and utilization of only high quality restorative materials.  We’ll also work closely with you to help you through your transition into dentures and ensure that you are totally satisfied. To make your denture adjustment go smoothly and ensure your get the most out of your prosthetics, follow these guidelines:

• Get additional adjustments when specified and as needed if your dentures feel too crowded or too loose.
• If you dentures become damaged, see us for an assessment and repair as soon as possible.
• Clean your dentures with a denture specific brush, paste and be sure to soak them in cleaning solution every day.
• Make sure to clean your gums, tongue, the inside of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth to keep your oral cavity healthy.

If you’re ready to make the transition into dentures, or you’re in need of a new pair that looks great and functions reliably, see us here at Bishop & Bishop Dental. 

Restore Your Smile

Need to restore your smile due to extraction, tooth loss or severe damage? Bridges provide many advantages for correcting smile gaps and protecting your oral health, including:

• Bridges restore your smile in full. They are custom created to be indistinguishable from your other teeth, are fixed, and require no visible framework.  
• Bridges restore the function of your teeth, eliminating the dietary restrictions and risks associated with missing teeth and exposed gum.
• Bridges are a long term dental solution. With proper care, this prosthetic can to last up to fifteen years.
• Bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth, and since they’re aesthetically pleasing and custom crafted, they can be used in highly visible portions of your smile.  
• Bridges are cost effective and are covered by most insurance plans, whereas dental implants are often not.

You can learn more about bridges, our placement process and what you can expect from this restorative right on our website.  Please call us directly here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.

Smile Makeover

If you’d like to makeover your smile-- from the overall effect down to the individual tooth-- veneers are one of the best methods for doing so. We provide this cosmetic dental treatment right here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, and many of our patients are thrilled with the possibilities.

Veneers are essentially thin porcelain shells that are individually fabricated and bonded to prepped teeth. Each veneer is an effective way to reshape and refinish your tooth enamel to be smoother, brighter, and whiter and more esthetically shaped.  If you have healthy teeth but you’re not pleased with the appearance of your smile, you may want to consider veneers as a cosmetic improvement.  They are favorable for patients who are seeking a solution to discoloration that won’t respond to whitening, or to correct the presence of chips, cracks, gaps or teeth that need to be lengthened. 

For more details and to determine if they are the best option for your smile makeover, see us for a consultation.  

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a severe oral health problem that affects about 10% of the population.  Although the infection begins as a minor inflammation, it can quickly escalate into tooth loss, hard tissue damage, and have an effect on your overall systemic health.  

Fortunately, it is easy to prevent periodontal disease with diligent oral care.  I always remind my patients to brush twice a day, floss and schedule appointments for bi-annual cleanings and exams.  In the event you do find yourself with periodontal disease, it’s important to catch it in its earliest stages.

If you notice any of the following signs of periodontal disease developing, schedule an appointment and be proactive about your oral health:
•    Bleeding gums during or after brushing and flossing your teeth
•    Swollen, tender or sore gums
•    Gums that appear to be receding from your teeth
•    Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth, even after brushing
•    Loose teeth or teeth that can be physically moved in the gum bed
•    Changes in your bite alignment
•    Lack of stability in any restoratives or prosthetic dental work

Source:
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/FindDataByTopic/GumDisease/PeriodontaldiseaseAdults20to64

Root Canals

Root Canals

When you hear the term “root canal,” you probably associate this infamous procedure with a sense of dread.  However, this association is actually based in a number of common misconceptions.  Modern technology has made root canal procedures virtually painless.  New advancements and technologies have improved the efficiency and comfort of a procedure so that patients no longer have to be afraid of the process.  Digital x-rays, precision instruments and effective dental anesthetic have made it possible to accurately target infections.  Since the entire process is less invasive, patients have a reduced healing time and can return to their normal activities without pain.  Any discomfort that is felt during the healing period can be easily relieved with over-the-counter painkillers.

If you are still nervous or have concerns about your root canal or endodontic procedure, feel free to call my office.  I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants

Do you have a missing tooth?  Whether your smile gap is accidental or your tooth has been extracted, it’s still important to have your smile restored.  Dental implants are one of the best ways to restore the natural look and feel of your smile.  Compared to other tooth prosthetics, dental implants have unique advantages that set them above the rest.  

If you are not sure which dental restoration is best for your smile, I’m always happy to help.  Just arrange an appointment at my office for a consultation.  For many patients, dental implants have proven to be a successful restoration with a number of benefits:

•    There is no need to modify the surrounding teeth or rely on adjacent teeth for support.  Dental implants stand alone.

•    They can be placed anywhere within the mouth, serving as a great replacement for teeth in the front or back of your smile. 

•    Dental implants can be used to restore a single tooth, or entire rows of teeth through multiple implants.

•    They provide patients with a natural look and feel that makes the restorative indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.

•    Dental implants last are designed to last a lifetime with regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry

Your smile has a huge impact on your oral health, self-confidence and even how you are viewed by others.  A number of studies and surveys have found that a beautiful, white, aligned smile is considered the most attractive physical feature by the majority of men and women.  If you are looking to improve your confidence, cosmetic dentistry may be an appealing option for you!

Cosmetic smile improvements are often sought after for their immediate aesthetic result.  However, this outward improvement facilitates benefits beyond the surface of your smile.  As with anything you take the time and money to invest in, you are more likely to care for your teeth on a daily basis.  Opting for cosmetic dentistry means that your smile is worth your time to care for.  Patients are more likely to maintain their oral health and beauty through brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups.  An aligned smile also means that it is easier to remove bacteria and identify any problems that could compromise your smile health.  Most importantly, cosmetic dentistry provides you with a brighter, more aesthetically pleasing grin that keeps you smiling and gives you the confidence to make great impressions on others.

I offer a number of cosmetic dental services at my practice.  If you are ready to discover how cosmetic dentistry can benefit you, contact my office.  I look forward to helping you find confidence, health and beauty in your smile!

Sources:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2182380/Smile-Why-white-teeth-sign-good-health-make-attractive.html

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/health/Smiles+Top+Attractiveness+Poll-1789.html